(William)

To William’s relief they were finally done with the War Council meeting and only the big blades were left behind.

He followed Baza, Mary, John, Claire, and Ivan out of Cliff’s Edge as they headed to the courtyard.

“Woah, they want to use the Lonely River.” Mary shivered. “That river is creepy.”

“Why? It’s just a river.” Claire tilted her head.

John leaned in and his eyes bored into Claire. “You wouldn’t say that if you’d heard the things we have.”

“Some of those stories would make your blood run cold.” Mary leaned in. “People go missing around that river and the Black Forest all the time. Gerald knew a hunter that disappeared for five years. He had told his friends that he was going fishing in the Lonely River, and poof, he disappeared.”

“I knew that guy,” John interjected. “He was a regular at the Bright Bell. When he finally got back, he didn’t remember anyone at the tavern and didn’t even know his own wife.”

Claire gasped.

“Lady Hatchet said that she had seen a tree creeping along the Lonely River,” Mary said in a hushed voice. “Though she tends to hit the bottle too hard.”

“Well, she might have seen a Dendro Kamilian or a shifter,” Ivan suggested.

“Definitely not a dendrite,” Mary stated. “She said that it was a big scary tree. Nothing like little Sapple.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard people talk about spooky underwater lights and ghastly water creatures,” John added.

“Pfft, we lived by the Lonely River for years.” William waved his hand. “Other than that crazy lightning storm or the bridge that never ages, I’ve never seen anything odd there.”

“You didn’t live that close to the river,” Mary argued. “You said that your farm was some distance away, in the sticks.”

William opened his mouth to reply but his stomach rumbled.

“Yeah, I’m getting hungry too,” said John.

“Well, we still have a bunch of time before the champion selection later tonight,” said William. “Let’s find Toby and head down to the leviathan. We can eat on the ship.”

“He’s probably at the overlook, practicing archery,” Claire told them. “We can pick him up on the way out.”

“Good plan,” William agreed. “Is everyone coming?”

“Absolutely!” Mary and John exclaimed at the same time.

Baza looked over her shoulder at Kala.

“I’ll send word to your father. I’ll accompany you," she replied to the unspoken question. Kala gestured to one of the other guards.

William had noticed that Baza was followed by many guards everywhere she went. Even Lin did not have that many guards.

I can’t blame her dad for being overly protective.

“Hey, are you coming?” William asked his brother.

“You know me. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to explore a leviathan. The construction of that ship is an incredible feat of engineering.”

After picking up Toby and Lin, the group headed toward the stables. As they rode toward the docks, Toby made multiple attempts to get Kala’s attention. William snickered when he saw him doing his famous eye spin, which still got no reaction from her. Kala maintained a stern expression the entire time, scanning the perimeter. William noticed Lin giving Toby frosty looks.

The leviathan’s size was even more mindboggling the closer they got to the ship. The Evergreen Realm’s flag waved high above on the main mast. William noticed that the scorpion emblem on the flag moved, snapping its pincers, and stabbing with its stinger.

That’s nippy!

“The flag is enchanted, you know,” Toby pointed out. “Expect to see a lot of enchanted items on the ship.”

The ship’s name, Tempest, was etched in gold. This was a massive multifaceted vessel. It was used for trading, transportation, warfare, and residence for the population of an entire town. Above the three archery decks was an open deck with catapults. The merchant level was on the main deck.

“The construction of such a massive vessel wouldn’t be possible without their imperial honeycomb bamboo,” Ivan explained. “That type of bamboo grows only in the Evergreen Realm and is considered the tallest living tree. Although, technically, most bamboo trees are not really trees. They’re classified as grass.”

“Oh, I thought there was another tree that was taller.” Claire commented.

“Well, the Alexis Botanical Almanac lists the stonewood tree as the tallest, but there are no living specimens left. Only one of those has ever been discovered in the Frozen Mountains.”

William noticed that Kala glanced at Ivan and raised an eyebrow.

“Really,” said Claire. “I’ll have to check out that almanac the next time I’m in the library.”

“Hey, sis, you might be able to find information about it on the leviathan,” Toby suggested. “I’m sure they’ll have at least one bibliotheca shop and an athenaeum.”

“Great idea!” Claire smiled.

As they neared the docks and prepared to dismount, Toby addressed the group in a hushed tone, “Whatever you do, don’t insult the Tempest. These people are fanatical about their ships. The leviathans represent the pride of their realm. What else… what else? Ah, the merchants know the universal tongue, but you can probably barter with them using the Nature Kingdom’s language.” He looked over his shoulder and added, “Let’s hurry up. One of the lifts is coming down.”

The group hustled toward the ship and made it in time. The lift was ornately decorated and had plush seats. William watched with fascination as they ascended. Other lifts zoomed up and down on either side. Though the lift moved quickly, it took some time to reach the main deck, where the bazaar was located.

As they stepped onto the merchant level, William was assaulted by the smell of spices, freshly baked bread, savory smoked meats, and aromatic perfumes.

It was overwhelming!

If that was not enough, brightly garbed merchants boisterously advertised their goods and bartered with customers. The place was so wild and rowdy, it made the Scaran market seem tame and orderly.

“Let’s grab a bite at one of the outdoor kitchens,” Toby suggested. “After we eat, I’ll split and head over to the fletchers. Oh, we’ll need to convert coins first. We can use the Evergreen Royal Bank, but it’s better to use the Dicers Den. That’s where I’ll go. They’ll waive the exchange fee if you place any Spirit Competition bets in advance.”

“After I exchange some coins, I want to check out the enchanted items,” William said excitedly.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Great plan!” Mary and John replied at the same time and laughed.

After getting a snack, everyone except Toby and Ivan headed toward the Thaumaturgy Shoppe.

(Ivan)

Ivan ambled through the shops on his way to the bookmakers. He spent some time in the Inscription Emporium. The shelves were lined with a large assortment of quills, paper, and dyes. They had a few dozen different types of ink. Though he wanted to spend more time there, the eager vendor was quite pushy, and he left early.

A bookmaker’s shop was not far away. When he got there, he was greeted by a young girl wearing thick glasses. Ivan found out that she was tending the shop for her parents. She knew the merchandise well and was able to recommend several books. Ivan spent half an hour talking to her about different types of materials for bookmaking. They discussed the advantages of parchment, vellum, wood, and leather. She brought out an old book and pointed out the antiquated style used in the past for tie-down, endband support, and stitching. Ivan left the shop with a book tucked under his arm and a smile on his face. He had found a copy of The Rise of King Alaras, the book that he had left unfinished when fleeing their farm.

“Ah, people flock toward the enchanted shops, and we get scraps in comparison.” Ivan overheard two merchants complaining.

“For Litana’s sake, I have the most extraordinary items. I’ve got dragon tooth daggers, flame scythes, doomshields, immaculate spears, and even a Giant Steel blade.” The discussion piqued Ivan’s curiosity.

“Meh, most of your prices are outrageous, old man,” a craggy voice replied. “Let’s face it. You’ve received plenty of generous offers for that famous blade of yours and it still sits in your collection. You could’ve accepted any of them, purchased an island somewhere, and retired for life.”

“The prices properly reflect the quality of my merchandise,” the old man emphasized. “And you know perfectly well how I feel about that sword, you geezer. So, don’t start with me now…”

When they saw Ivan approach their shops, both merchants instantly changed their demeanor.

“Welcome to the Dome of Antiquities, young man. We’ve got the finest merchandise on the Tempest. You’ve got the look of a warrior. I reckon you need a new blade or maybe a shield. Come inside… come inside.” He gestured to Ivan invitingly. “Browse at your leisure. Just call me if you need anything. I like to give plenty of space to my customers. I’ll be right here talking to my friend. Just holler if you need me.”

“Young man, when you are done in the Dome of Antiquities, come next door.” The other man smiled a toothless grin. “Come and examine the high quality of my tapestries at the famous Drape and Shroud. A gift from my shop will be very popular with your lady admirers, which I’m sure a strapping young warrior like yourself has plenty of.” The old man winked at Ivan and wiggled his eyebrows.

Ivan acknowledged the men with a courteous reply and entered the Dome of Antiquities. It was a large shop filled with high quality weaponry and armor. He moved down the tables, examining the different items. He noticed that the prices were quite steep. When he reached the dragon tooth daggers, he picked one of them up to gauge its weight. It was, as expected, exceptionally light. With its exquisite handle, this blade was meant for decoration. He continued browsing as he made his way toward the back of the shop. He noticed that the place was mostly deserted. There was only one other patron.

The prices must have scared most of the clientele away.

At the back of the shop, a sword was displayed on an ornate table, brightly illuminated by sunstones. The other patron, a young woman, had been hunched over that sword since he had entered the shop. She was so engrossed with her examination of the weapon that she did not notice when he walked right next to her.

Ivan was intrigued by her intensity and complete concentration. She had thick amber hair pulled tightly back into a topknot. A wide leather band coiled around the base of her ponytail. It lifted her hair up and away from her head. She had an attractive profile with sculpted cheekbones. A faint scar was visible on her temple, near her hairline. Her mouth curved in a smile as she gawked at the sword. A look of delight was visible on her face. Ivan found himself smiling.

I’ve never seen a woman look at a blade like that, he thought. Wow!

He realized that he had been staring at her as intently as she had been staring at the weapon. He felt a little embarrassed and shifted his gaze toward the sword on display. He leaned forward to get a better look. It did not take him long to realize that this was an authentic Giant Steel blade.

“Har’esh Ser’on,” he read aloud the name of the sword, which was engraved on the handle. “Sharp Reason,” he translated quietly to himself.

The woman lifted her head, and he heard her gasp. He looked up and found that their faces were mere inches apart. Her aquamarine eyes were wide, and she had a stunned expression. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. She gaped at him.

“Um...” Ivan faltered for a moment.

Do I have something on my face?

“Ummm, do you realize that this might be the actual sword of Alaras, the first Scaran king?” He paused. “Well, his Giant Steel blade was called Sharp Reason, just like this one. Not to mention the unique bear paw guard.”

The woman just stared at him as if mesmerized. Ivan had no idea what was happening or how to react. He just knew that an attractive woman who appreciated weapons was gawking at him.

“Lady Jane, your sister has summoned you,” a feminine voice called out from the entrance of the shop.

Ivan noticed that the woman was still staring at him. He shuffled nervously.

“Lady Jane, make haste,” the voice from the entrance implored. “Queen Sapphire has ordered your presence immediately. You know what happened last time.”

Ivan turned around and saw a young woman standing at the door. She was flanked by two Shadow Lands soldiers. He stiffened.

His head slowly swiveled back to Lady Jane. His eyes narrowed when he realized who she was.

This is Jane Sapphire, the Shadow Queen’s sister… Every muscle in his body tensed.

Jane flinched and jolted upright. She blinked, gave the young woman a curt nod, and hastily walked toward the exit. She hesitated for a moment at the door and then glanced back at Ivan. Her skin flushed and she ducked out of the shop.

The realization that he had just spoken to Jane Sapphire, the queen’s younger sister, came as a shock.

The enemy! A muscle in his jaw twitched and he gritted his teeth.

He paced back-and-forth in the empty shop. The entire meeting with her had been so disconcerting.

Why did she look at me like she knew me? he wondered. We’ve certainly never met before. He continued to pace.

She glanced back at me before she left the shop. Why did she do that? He rubbed his temples.

She looked flustered and I swear she blushed on the way out. Though she was across the shop, so maybe I imagined that…

“Well, she didn’t look or dress like royalty,” he muttered to himself.

She was lean and athletic, like a warrior. He had noticed calluses on her hands. A curved sword had been suspended on the side of her hip.

His thoughts wandered back to the way she had looked at him. It was an expression of shocked recognition, as though she knew him.

I’m probably overanalyzing things, he concluded as he headed out of the shop. I must have reminded her of someone she knows.

“Well, at least she has good taste in blades,” he said aloud.

“Anyone that comes into my shop has good taste in blades, young man.” The shopkeeper’s voice startled him. “Isn’t my merchandise the best you’ve ever seen? My daggers are second to none,” he declared with confidence. “Did anything catch your eye… I mean besides that young lady?” He winked slyly at Ivan.

Ivan was caught off guard. “Uhh, yes, your merchandise is impressive. I saw a few items that I would like to look at more closely when I come back.”

“Excellent… Excellent!” the merchant replied. “Our doors are always open, young warrior. Don’t let these great items sail away on you.” He chuckled.

Ivan absently waved at the merchant. His mind was elsewhere. He ambled along the deck, thinking of Jane Sapphire.

(William)

“It’s getting late,” Claire grumbled. “Baza left an hour ago. We need to head back already. Where is your brother, anyway?” she asked William.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen him since he left the outdoor kitchen.”

“The last time I saw him, he was heading toward the Inscription Emporium,” Toby chimed in.

“Uh-oh… He’s looking at books again.” William groaned. “Give me a few. I’ll find him.”

He shifted into an owl and flew away. It did not take him long to locate Ivan. His brother sat on a bench near the central marketplace. Ivan was looking down at his feet, lost in thought. He did not even stir when William landed right next to him.

“So, what did you buy?” William asked. “Did you get me any sweets?”

“Oh, William.” Ivan’s head jerked up. “You snuck up on me.”

“What? I did a super-shifter landing right next to you and you didn’t even notice?”

“Sorry, I was thinking.”

“Hmph! So, what you got in that nifty bag? Anything good?”

“A good book.” Ivan’s eyes lit up. “I’ll finally get to finish The Rise of King Alaras.”

“Were you looking at books the whole time?” William’s face scrunched up.

“Oh, no. I visited a few places. Let’s see, I stopped by the Inscription Emporium, a bookmaker shop, and I spent some time looking at weapons in the Dome of Antiquities.”

“Oooh, did you see any flashy blades?”

Ivan leaned forward. “As a matter of fact, I did. I saw a Giant Steel sword.”

“No way!” William’s eyes widened. “Are you sure it wasn’t a replica?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m certain of it. The hilt was covered in runes, it had an olivine bear paw guard, and it was made of tanium.”

“Wait… Didn’t King Alaras’s blade have an olivine bear paw guard?”

“It did and this blade has the same name inscribed on it – Har'esh Ser'on.”

William opened his mouth to reply and then closed it. “Scraps, and I thought that the enchanted items that I saw today would top anything that you saw.”

“Really, what did you see?”

“Hee-hee,” William chortled. “I saw a magic sponge that washes dishes. It’s the best enchantment ever. I might have enough money to buy it, but I’ll have to check. Oh, I almost forgot. Everyone is waiting on us. We need to head back. We can talk on the way.”

Ivan stood up and nodded. They headed toward the outdoor kitchen, where the rest of their party waited.

He was still bewildered by the unexpected meeting with Jane Sapphire and how she had acted.